Electric snap-switch.



No. 708,2". v Patented Sept. 2, I902. L. w. nowuss..

ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH.

({Lpplication filed May 8, 1902.) (No Model.)

2 Sheets-sheet I.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS W. DOWNES, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

ELECTRIC SNAP-SWITCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 708,211, dated September 2, 1902.

Application filed Mayfi, 1902. Serial No. 105,813. (No model.)

T0 at whom it ntay concern:

Be it known that I,LOUIs W.DowNEs,a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Electric Snap-Switches, which invention is fully set forth in the following specification.

My invention has for its object to provide an efficient, simplified, and inexpensive electric quick-break or snap switch. A further object is to provide a switch of this type in the construction of which ordinary slow-break blade-switches may be employed, the latter being readily transformed into snap-switches of this invention by slight changes and the addition of inexpensive parts.

The invention will be best understood by reference to. the accompanying drawings,-

illustrating preferred embodiments thereof. Figure 1 is a plan view of a two-blade switch embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section on line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective of several parts of the switch. Fig. 4 is a detail view. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view. Fig. 6 is a plan view, and Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a single-blade switch embodying my invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, A is a base of suitable material, such as porcelain. B B are binding-posts, to which the line-wires are connected. From posts B B the circuit extends by bars I) b to sleeve-contacts c c of fuse-sockets O C, and from said contacts the circuit continues through suitable fuses (not shown) to the central contacts dd at the bottom of the fuse sockets. Ordinary blade-, contacts E E are electrically connected with contacts (Z (Z through bars 6 e, dotted lines, Fig. 1. i

F F are binding-posts electrically connected to the bifurcated terminals G G, between.

the arms 9 g of which the blades H H are respectively pivoted on screw-bolts h h. An upwardly-projecting tooth i, oneach blade H may be formed integralwith the latter or soldered or otherwise attached thereto. K K are actuating lever-arms fulcurmed on screw-bolts h h, respectively, adjacent to the arm g of the terminals G G. Each actuating-lever K is offset or bent at k in order that it may lie close to the side of its blade H throughout the greater part of its length. At its lower edge it has a finger m, projectmg into one end of a spiral spring at, the other end of which loosely engages an eyelet or staple n, secured to the forward end of blade H. A lug o, projecting at right angles from the upper edge of lever K over the up- 4 per edge of blade H, is adapted to cooperate with tooth i in the manner hereinafter explained. At its forward end each lever K has an angular extension 19, having a countersunk opening 19 therethrough.

Q is a non-conducting bar, preferably of fiber composition, bridging the space between blades H H and secured at its opposite ends to the extensions 19 of the actuating-levers K, respectively, by screw-boltsr r passing through countersunk openings 19 p and openings in the ends of the bar Q. (See Fig. 5.) S is a knob secured to the bar Q at its middle.

The operation of the switch is as follows:

The switch being closed, as shown in Fig. 1,

to open the same the operator grasps knob S and gives the same a backward upward pull. The preliminary part of this movement, which elevates the leverarms K to the position shown in Fig. 2, imposes a torque or lateral tension upon springs n 1%, without, however, overcoming the frictional engagement of the blades H H between the spring-arms of contacts E E. The further upward movement of the levers beyond the position of Fig. 2 causes the lugs 0 0 to act against the teeth 01 t', and thus elevate the blades on their pivots. While the movement of the blades is at first comparatively slow, their final movement away from-the contacts E E is very quick and rapid through the reaction of the springs 11 n. The construction of the single-blade switch of Figs. 6 and 7 is the same as that of one side of the double switch of the other figures, the bar Q omitted and the knob S secured directly to the extension p of lever K.

What I claim is-- 1. In an electric snap-switch, two circuit terminals, aswitch-blade pivoted to one of the terminals and adapted to be moved on its pivot into and out of engagement with the other terminal, an actuating-lever normally extending along one side of'the switch-blade and fulcrumed at one end on the pivot of said blade, a spring connected at one end to the lever and at the other end to the switch-blade, a lug on the pivoted end of the lever, and a tooth or projection on the pivoted end of the blade which the in g is adapted to engage after the actuating-lever has been moved a predetermined distance and the spring thereby put under tension.

2. In an electric snap-switch, two circuitterminals, a switch-blade pivoted to one of the terminals and adapted to be moved on its pivot into and out of engagement with the other terminal, an actuating-lever normally extending along one side of the switch-blade and fulcru med at one end on the pivot of said blade, a spiral spring connected at one end to the blade at a point remote from its pivot, a finger-on the actuating-lever adjacent to its fulcrum said finger projecting into the other end of the spiral spring, a lug on the pivoted end of the lever projecting over the edge of the switch-blade, and a tooth or projection on the pivoted end of the blade which the lug is adapted to engage after the actuating-lever has been moved a predetermined distance and the spring thereby put under tension.

3. In a double electric snap-switch, two single switches each comprising two circuit-terminals, a switch-blade pivoted to one of the terminals and adapted to be moved on its pivot into and out of engagement with the other terminal, an actuating-lever normally extending along one side of the switch-b1ade and fulcrumed at one end on the pivot of said blade, a spring connected at one end to the lever and at its other end to the switchblade, a lug on the pivoted end of the lever, and a tooth or projection on the pivoted end of the blade which the lug is adapted to engage after the actuating-lever has been moved a predetermined distance and the spring thereby put under tension; angular extensions at the free end of the actuating-levers of the several switches, and a bar of non-conducting material connecting and secured to said angular extensions so that the actuatinglevers move together.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JAMES H. THURSTON, EDWIN P. ALLEN. 

